Ballmer: Microsoft Surface sales off to a "modest start"

Despite the fact that the 32GB model of the Microsoft Surface without the Touch Cover was briefly sold out before inventory was replenished, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says that sales of the Redmond based firm's new RT tablet are off to a modest start. Ballmer was speaking to French publication Le Parisien, and his comments were a bit surprising considering the brief sellout which he called a "good sign". Microsoft has not released any official sales numbers for the device.

Sales of the Microsoft Surface RT are modest according to CEO Steve Ballmer

Part of the reason that sales of the Microsoft Surface RT are "modest" could have something to do with how the tablets are distributed. The slate is available only at Microsoft Stores and online. The RT version of the Microsoft Surface uses an ARM based processor and competes with other traditional tablets like the Apple iPad and the Google Nexus 10. The Microsoft Surface 8 Pro uses an Intel processor and the experience is more inline with having a mobile version of the desktop in your office, similar to a laptop computer. That model is expected to launch early next year.

5.MeoCao (unregistered)

I said in another post:

it's a light PC that can't do much
it's a powerful tablet that is heavy
it's a car-fridge hybrid

And now I found out that as a tablet it's not powerful at all, and the resolution is paltry (MS "researchers" want us to believe that resolution is not important). The tablet is very long with sharp edges and very uncomfortable to use.

Surface Pro? May be, but it will compete with laptops and not tablets.

That consensus can't be more perfect. I remember people saying "yeah the surface might be worse than the iPad, but wait for the surface pro, it will be better". Well, if you get what you pay for, then yes the Surface Pro will be better than the iPad (in some respects). After all, it'll be $500 more expensive than the cheapest iPad at least. It also won't be the best laptop out there, the lenovo ideapad 13 is the best windows 8 laptop, and at that price, I'd just get a MacBook. Actually, It's ridiculous for a microsoft computer to be as expensive as an Apple computer that has the same specs, it's just retarded. Now people will call Apple over-priced and underpowered. The surface pro costs the same and is as powerful, it also doesn't have a keyboard at that price! and the touch-type is ludicrous so a solid keyboard will cost less, ironically. In the end, microsoft will not get the Apple insults because it makes "better" products. Windows 8 is a terrible OS. So terrible in fact that I bought myself a macbook. Windows 7 is better than both, but I already have a windows 7 desktop, so why bother.

Technically, his saying that the sales stinks but said in the most positive manner possible. I was expecting this especially for first generation MS products. In most cases, it takes second or third generation for a typical MS product to take off.

Modest is expected when prices are so high compared to other companies offerings. I understand your're offering a different exeprience but for the most part they should understand that's not how consumers are going to see it. Microsft has internalized everything and its causing them problems.

They made a mistake with the price. They should have made priced it the same as the iPad and throw in the touch cover for free. Considering it only cost them $16 to make the cover, that would have made the device a lot more attractive.

I think there are some potential for the Surface for people who wants a device that can used to be productive on. But right now, it's too pricey for what it is. Not quite a laptop not really a tablet.

All content (phone reviews, news, specs, info), design and layouts are Copyright 2001-2015 phoneArena.com. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part or in any form or medium without written permission is prohibited! Privacy . Terms of use . Cookies . Team